Asparagus…

Did you Asparagus is related to the lily? If you grow Asparagus and let the top open completely it will look like a fern. Asparagus can be dated back to 3000BC and was eaten by the Roman, Greeks and Egyptians.

Asparagus with cheese sauce

Ingredients:

1 bunch asparagus

2 Tablespoon butter

2 Tablespoon flour

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

¼ cup Romano cheese, grated

Directions:

Hold each end of the asparagus spear in your hands and bend it. The spear will break off where it is tender.

Lay the bottoms of the spears in a pan, and then lay the tops over the bottoms.

Add ½ cup of water to the pan, cover and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter, and then mix in flour.

When fully combined slowly add in milk, Worcestshire sauce and dry mustard.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for two minutes.

Add cheese to the pan and stir until completely melted.

Bring pan of asparagus to full boil over high heat. Steam for one to three minutes.

Drain any remaining from pan and place asparagus on a serving plate or platter

Pour cheese sauce over asparagus and serve.

Roasted Asparagus

1 bunch Asparagus

2 Tablespoon Butter

Preheat oven 400°F

Wash and prepare Asparagus but chopping ½ inch off the bottom of each spear

In a glass baking dish melt butter in the oven

When butter is melted add asparagus to the pan, try not to get more than two layers high

Roast in oven for 15 minutes

** You can add garlic, almonds, minced onions, crushed red peppers or even bacon, to the pan for a variety of flavors. You can also sprinkle lightly with parmesan cheese after removing from oven**

Buttery Ale Asparagus – Courtesy of Sandra Lee

Ingrdients:

1 bunch asparagus

1 Tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

½ cup English Ale

1 Tablespoon spicy brown mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute

Add ale and cook until the ale is reduced by half

Wisk in mustard until blended

Add asparagus and season with salt and pepper

Cook until the asparagus is heated through.